Video Game Review: Graphic Updates, Classic Games Make ‘Metal Gear Solid HD Collection’ Worthy Bundle

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CHICAGO - In 1987, Hideo Kojima brought “Metal Gear” to the video game world. 14 years and over 12 games later, the “Metal Gear” series is one of the most beloved and respected video game franchises ever. A major player in defining the world of stealth video games, Konami has created a bundle pack that brings three classic releases back to players everywhere.

HollywoodChicago.com Video Game Rating: 4.5/5.0
Video Game Rating: 4.5/5.0

The “Metal Gear Solid HD Collection” is a bundle pack that guarantees hours and hours of gameplay for fans of the series that want to play some of their favorite games in a crisper and cleaner version. The bundle collection includes the deluxe versions of “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty” and “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater,” as well as a new console version of “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.”

Let’s get right to the real question: Are the updates of these games worth buying in a bundle pack? Well, quite simply, if you are a die-hard fan of the “Metal Gear Solid” games, you probably won’t want to miss this set. The deluxe versions of “Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3” (the rereleases that included “Metal Gear” and “Metal Gear 2,” as well as vr missions, movie viewer, and bonus features and games) are clean updates from their original rerelease versions, and the new release of “Peace Walker” offers a more ideal way to play the game.

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Photo credit: Konami

Where you start is up to you: whether beginning in order of games from release dates or in chronological order of the story, the set allows you to choose. Personally, I went in order of games released, so I started with “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.” Immediately, the controls getting into the game seem a bit dated, the most obvious being the camera controls. The game has set camera controls, just as it did upon its original 2001 release date. Just like the original release, one of the right triggers puts you into first person POV mode, a mode you can also use for better aim with weapons, but this mode doesn’t allow you to move. Along with the camera controls, some of the gameplay controls take some time to get used to. The movement in prone positions as well as using the action button to jump, hang off railings, and push buttons feels a bit sporadic compared to brand new game releases, but eventually you get the hang of it again.

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Photo credit: Konami

What is fascinating about playing the games in order of release (and the reason why I would suggest playing them this way) is the evolution of the control work and the new aspects of gameplay that are added. Quickly after finishing “Sons of Liberty” and jumping into “Snake Eater,” a player immediately sees the difference in camera movement abilities, as well as new close-quarters-combat (CQC), the necessity of camouflage, and the addition of a stamina gauge. The game is still based around stealth action and avoiding enemy conflict, but these changes in gameplay are quite different from “Sons of Liberty.” This can be said again for when you start playing “Peace Walker,” which involves a lot of co-op gameplay that is achieved through recruitment tactics, as well as several other camouflage options, over-the-shoulder weapon views, and movement while crouched. The game is also packed with tons of side missions that make it one of the largest games in the series. Simply playing through these three releases, three games that came out nine years apart, a gamer can see the significant upgrades and changes the series has gone through.

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Photo credit: Konami

Visually, other than the graphics, the games also changed in settings and environments from the conversion to the Xbox and PS3 formats. This is very significant in “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker,” a game that was originally created for the PSP. Converting the world from PSP to a full screen on Xbox or PS3 creates a bit of an open and dull world for the game. Unlike the PSP, which obviously has a smaller screen and tighter look, the Xbox and PS3 make the world of “Peace Walker” a bit too vast and desolate.

But don’t make the dull environment comments for “Peace Walker” sound like these games are not worth playing. This is still the “Metal Gear” series we’re talking about. The updates to graphics, though still rough at times, are very noticeable and well crafted. You have never seen Snake, Raiden, and Big Boss look this good. While some of the cut scenes and lip synching are laughable, the update of the franchise, visually, is really a treasure for fans of this series.

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
Photo credit: Konami

And, of course, how could anyone not enjoy the stories and plots of these games? Still packed full of fascinating cut scenes and codec conversations, the original stories, design, and production, all created by Hideo Kojima and his team, are as intriguing as they have ever been and something no true gamer would skip, even on their second or third play through the same game. The three Metal Gear Solid games packed into this bundle follow the story of Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss), his “sons” (clones) Solid Snake, Liquid Snake, and Solidus Snake, and Solidus Snake’s adopted son Raiden. Taking place in three different time periods with different bosses and antagonists (Solidus, Ocelot, Boss, Colonel Volgin, Hot Coldman, etc.) each game builds upon the story of Snake and the powers that lead the world they are in. The series is packed full of several stealth missions that must be played out in a world run by powerful Illuminati-esque groups that hold the upper hand in the fight; an overarching plot where these groups are behind the scenes for every decision and political move made in the world. Accompanying the plotline of these groups are the Metal Gear machines: immense battle superweapons that carry significant firepower, including nuclear weapons, which several different antagonists try to gain control of. The game is designed so that you are one person that has to carefully fight your way through enemy lines with stealth and close combat so you can ultimately fight bosses and giant robots well equipped to blow you sky high. This narrative is not only thought provoking and interesting, but it creates a fantastic world for gameplay and cut scenes to be surrounded by.

This bundle pack may seem to start off with some dated controls, but the realization in the evolution of these games can be said for more than just “Metal Gear.” It can be said for all of gaming. While it would have been nice to see the bundle pack start with the original “Metal Gear Solid” and include 2 and 3 to allow for new gamers to understand the story fully and a refresher for people who haven’t played the series in 10 years, it is understandable that updating PlayStation graphics (the graphics the original “Metal Gear Solid” was released with) to Xbox and PS3 HD graphics would have been a horrendous task. Nevertheless, it is really interesting to move from game to game and feel the difference in controls and gameplay changes, as well as seeing the updates in graphics and visual capabilities given to these classic installments. There is no denying the value of these games and the overall HD pack for not only fans of “Metal Gear,” but for all gaming fans in general. Revamping and cleaning up three classic releases in one of the most beloved game franchises, Konami has created a pack of games that is a gift to anyone who has loved this series, as well as a great homage to the original versions. If you have ever been captivated by the “Metal Gear” stories or its fantastic stealth play, or you respect and find entertainment in the evolution of gaming, the “Metal Gear Solid HD Collection” is definitely for you.

“Metal Gear Solid HD Collection” was developed by Kojima Productions and released by Konami on November 8th, 2011. The version reviewed was for the Xbox 360, but the title is also available for the PS3. It is rated T-M (Teen-Mature)

HollywoodChicago.com staff writer Tim Martens

By TIM MARTENS
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
tim@hollywoodchicago.com

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